Ranitidine Manufacturers Try To Pass The Buck On Responsibility For Cancer Causing Drug

On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the recall of all Zantac (ranitidine) antacid products from the market. Many of the products had tested positive for unsafe levels of N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA), a cancer-causing substance.

Following that recall, many individuals filed personal injury lawsuits against both the makers of Zantac and generic ranitidine products. The generic drug manufacturers, however, have sought to dismiss certain claims against them, claiming that the plaintiffs have failed to show evidence of a true injury.

Some plaintiffs, however, have banded together to file lawsuits against both the brand-name and generic manufacturers, not because they were diagnosed with cancer, but because they’re worried they might suffer from cancer in the future. These plaintiffs claim that they must now seek additional medical monitoring because the manufacturers failed to make sure their products were safe and free of toxic contaminants.

That the defendants want these claims dismissed is “startling,” the plaintiffs continue, as it amounts to saying that even though the products were economically worthless and even though consumers face an increased risk of developing cancer “and will be forced to pay for and endure lifelong medical monitoring, treatments, and/or medications, and to live with the fear and risk of developing additional health consequences,” they cannot pursue compensation.

To be eligible for an advance on a Zantac claim, it is not necessary to have filed a lawsuit. But it is necessary to file a claim in the Zantac litigation and be able to provide copies of medical records, including a pathology report.